The FCA marks a significant shift for UK buy-side trading desks, reopening the door to funding research through trading commissions after years of separation under MiFID II. With Commission Sharing Agreements once again permitted, Heads of Trading are being pulled back into decisions around research funding, broker engagement, and budget control. This change elevates trading’s role beyond execution, placing greater emphasis on governance, transparency, and commercial oversight. Firms that respond proactively can unlock stronger broker partnerships and better alignment between research spend and investment outcomes, while those that delay risk operational and compliance challenges in a rapidly evolving landscape.